Polar Plummet – Shocking Temperature Drop Predicted for Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) Forecasters with the National Weather Service are currently tracking a major winter storm as it moves across the country. The worst of the winter weather, snow, ice, freezing rain, should be well north of Louisiana. But that doesn't mean Louisiana residents won't feel the effects of the major polar plummet on Monday.

As you wake up across Louisiana this morning, you will probably, on your first step out of the front door, think that it does not feel like winter at all. Temperatures across the state are unseasonably warm, and they will be again today and Sunday.

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When Will It Get Cold Again in Louisiana?

Late Sunday is when the big changes begin for Louisiana. Based on forecast data from the Lake Charles Forecast Office of the National Weather Service, the temperature at noon on Sunday should be in the upper 70s, by midnight forecasters believe the temperature will be about 70 degrees. That's actually very comfortable for late December.

READ MORE: Weather Service Rethinks Snow Forecast for Louisiana

Take a look at the graphic below provided by the National Weather Service Office in Lake Charles. As you can see, forecasters expect temperatures to drop by as much as 20 degrees between midnight Monday and Noon on Monday.  Temperatures will bottom out near or below the freezing mark by Tuesday morning.

The other weather feature associated with this massive polar plunge is going to be the windchill. Windchill is how moving air affects the way the body feels temperature. Just a little bit of a breeze can make a cool temperature cold and a cold temperature unbearable.

How Cold Will It Feel in Louisiana Next Week?

Monday, especially and early Tuesday will fall into that unbearable column as temperatures are fallling the wind will be howling out of the north on Monday with gusts as high as 25 mph. The wind will lie down just a bit on Tuesday, but it will be colder, so windchill effects might be even worse on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Why Do We Eat Cabbage and Black Eyed Peas on New Year's?

Based on figures from the National Weather Service's Official WindChill Chart, a temperature of 30 degrees combined with a breeze of 20 mph would make the feel-like temperature 17 degrees. Raise that temperature to 35 degrees, and with the same breeze, it will feel like 24.

What Is The Weather Forecast for New Year's Eve in Louisiana?

As you plan for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, you can expect beautiful sky conditions. There should be a lot of sunshine, and winds will be cal,m but the temperatures will be a bit chilly. The outlook for New Year's Eve suggests it will be in the 40s to upper 30s for nighttime parties.

For the New Year's football feast on TV, it should be a good day to be outside if you want to get away from the games for a little bit. Forecast highs on New Year's Day should be in the middle 60,s and our first threat of rain for 2026 will slide into the area on Friday. 

I'm thinking early next week will be perfect for gumbo. How about you? Here are some great places to get a "big bowl of get warm" if you don't want to cook it yourself.